Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease can be effectively controlled with the assistance of a dental professional. If you have developed periodontal disease, you may need to visit Smile Design – Family & Cosmetic Dentistry regularly for periodontal maintenance in Durham, North Carolina. We encourage you to call (919) 220-5505 and schedule a visit with Dr. Erfan Imeni, our skilled dentist, if you are concerned about your gum health.

If your gums are tender, red, swollen or bleed easily, you may suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is a degenerative condition caused by bacteria in plaque, which accumulates on the teeth. When not treated, periodontal disease can result in the loss of teeth, gum tissue and bone. While gum disease is not curable, we can treat the condition and keep it under control to protect your oral health. Our dentist can provide periodontal maintenance to help treat periodontal disease and prevent the serious effects of the condition.

Periodontal maintenance involves visiting our office on a regular basis, typically once every three months, for a professional cleaning. These treatments include thorough cleanings both above and below the gum line, removing plaque, tartar (hardened plaque, also called dental calculus), and bacteria to prevent the condition from worsening. Periodontal maintenance is recommended every three months because when biofilm is not removed, the periodontal bacteria begin to flourish within three to 12 weeks. By providing a cleaning at 12 weeks (three months), we are able to remove these bacteria and keep the condition under control. To learn more about periodontal maintenance and how we can treat gum disease, we welcome you to call or visit our office today.